The book of Genesis includes many stories about family life. This week Rabbi Woznica offers teachings about parents and children.
Shaping your Child’s Values by Example
Listen my son* to the instruction of your father and forsake not the teachings of your mother. (Proverbs 1:8).
It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children ideals. One way to do so is by example.
Some years ago I attended a number of little league baseball games. The parents and family of the young players were, naturally, very invested in how “their” little leaguer performed. At times, they wanted to be quite vocal at what they perceived was a bad “strike three, you’re out!” call made by the umpire.
We were constrained by a large sign facing us in the bleachers, “Parents, your children are watching.” Indeed, they were.
The way we interact in the presence of our children—with our spouse, friends, and with those with whom we have differences, is an example of how we want our children to act. If we demonstrate sincere devotion to aging parents or others, it is likely to influence how they will treat their parents as they age.
Nevertheless, living by example is not sufficient. We will explore this further tomorrow.
— Rabbi David Woznica
*While the Hebrew Bible uses “b’nee” which translates as “my son” and I want to be true to the Biblical text, this teaching applies to sons and daughters alike.